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Today, July 22, 2025, is no ordinary day, it's the second-shortest one of the year, thanks to Earth spinning just a bit faster than usual. The planet is expected to complete its daily rotation 1.34 milliseconds quicker than the standard 24-hour cycle. While that sliver of time is imperceptible to humans, scientists are keeping a close eye on the phenomenon.

The Earth's rotation is not perfectly uniform; it fluctuates due to various internal and external forces. Over the past few years, Earth has been rotating faster, with shorter days occurring more frequently. This has led scientists to investigate possible reasons behind the trend, though no single explanation has been confirmed.

Why Is Earth Spinning Faster?

Several factors might be contributing to this speed-up: Changes in Earth's Core: One theory is that Earth’s liquid outer core is slowing down, causing the mantle and crust above it to rotate slightly faster.

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Melting Ice and Ocean Shifts: The redistribution of Earth's mass from melting glaciers and shifting ocean currents can alter the balance and spin of the planet. Lunar Influence: The Moon’s orbit, especially when its position shifts relative to Earth’s equator, can impact gravitational pull and, in turn, Earth's rotational speed.

Timekeeping Adjustments On Horizon?

As the planet spins faster, timekeeping authorities are considering rare adjustments. The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service and the US Naval Observatory have noted that, if the trend continues, a negative leap second may eventually be introduced. This would mean subtracting a second from atomic time, something that has never been done before.

Today’s 1.34-millisecond gain follows the July 10 record, when Earth completed its rotation 1.36 milliseconds early, making that the shortest day of 2025 so far. For context, prior to 2020, the shortest day on record since atomic clocks began in 1973 was just 1.05 milliseconds shorter than 24 hours. The current record-holder is July 5, 2024, with a 1.66-millisecond lead on the clock. 

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Predictions suggest that August 5, 2025, may also bring a shorter-than-average day, potentially 1.25 milliseconds below 24 hours. These changes are minor but scientifically important, as they help researchers better understand the complex dynamics of Earth’s structure and behaviour.